President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s unwavering commitment to “reunification” with Taiwan in his New Year’s address, asserting that this historical trend is unstoppable. Beijing’s increased military presence near Taiwan, characterized by near-daily incursions, underscores this commitment. While Taiwan’s government rejects China’s claims of sovereignty, maintaining its residents’ right to self-determination, Xi emphasized the shared familial bond between both sides of the strait. Rising tensions, particularly following the election of President Lai Ching-te, further highlight the precarious situation in the Taiwan Strait.
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Following a recent surge in mass casualty attacks in China, attributed to societal pressures and feelings of injustice, President Xi Jinping ordered local governments to prevent future occurrences. These attacks, labeled “revenge on society crimes,” stem from various personal grievances, prompting authorities to investigate potential conflicts ranging from family disputes to workplace issues. However, this increased scrutiny into citizens’ private lives raises concerns about further tightening of state control and potential backlash, mirroring the intense restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The government’s response, involving censorship and intensified surveillance, has been met with apprehension about its long-term effectiveness.
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President Xi Jinping will not attend President Trump’s inauguration, though he received a personal invitation; China’s ambassador will represent Beijing instead. This decision breaks with no precedent of a Chinese head of state attending a U.S. presidential inauguration. Despite Trump’s past threats of high tariffs and trade disputes, China expressed a willingness to cooperate with the new administration through dialogue and win-win cooperation. This willingness is demonstrated both publicly and through diplomatic channels.
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Despite rising US-China tensions stemming from restrictions on Chinese technology investment and the threat of a Trump-led trade war, Xi Jinping affirmed China’s commitment to a stable relationship with the incoming US administration. Xi and Biden held a candid meeting following the APEC summit, where disagreements over addressing the economic impacts of the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts prevented a consensus. APEC leaders did, however, unite in their implicit criticism of potential future trade protectionism. The upcoming G20 summit in Brazil is expected to further address these global economic concerns, with various leaders seeking to mitigate the potential negative impacts of a more isolationist US foreign policy.
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The recent revelations from Woodward’s book about the US scrambling to urge Putin not to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine shed light on the precarious situation that the world found itself in during that tumultuous time. The fact that Biden had to call Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss deterrence highlights the interconnectedness of global politics and the delicate balance of power at play. It is heartening to see that world leaders like Biden and Xi agreed that a nuclear war should never be fought, emphasizing the catastrophic consequences that would ensue if such weapons were deployed.
The exchanges between US Defense Secretary Austin and his Russian counterpart, Shoigu, showcased the high stakes involved in the conflict.… Continue reading
In China, criticism can silence even the most prominent voices. The recent disappearance of a top Chinese economist, Zhu Hengpeng, after allegedly questioning President Xi Jinping’s economic policies in a private chat, is a stark reminder of the consequences dissent can bear in an authoritarian regime. The fact that Zhu has been missing since April, stripped of his role at a think tank, underscores the extent to which the Chinese government will go to stifle opposing opinions, even from respected professionals.
While President Xi’s attempts to revitalize China’s economy amidst a protracted slowdown may be met with skepticism, the disappearance of Zhu reveals a deeper issue at play – the fear of speaking out against the ruling party.… Continue reading
China’s military drills encircling Taiwan, with the intention of testing its ability to “seize power”, seems like a rather unwise move on their part. The act of encircling an island and actually invading it are two vastly different scenarios. The challenges of executing a successful amphibious assault on Taiwan, with its rugged terrain and well-equipped military, are immense and not to be taken lightly.
The potential consequences of a full-scale invasion of Taiwan by China would be catastrophic, not just for Taiwan but for China as well. The economic repercussions alone, with the loss of foreign investment and trade partnerships, would be significant.… Continue reading
Xi Says China Will ‘Never Forget’ the US Bombing of Its Embassy
The recent statement by President Xi Jinping regarding the 1999 NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade has stirred up sentiments of historical grievances and geopolitical tensions. As someone who believes in the importance of acknowledging past wrongs and learning from them, this declaration by Xi strikes a chord with me.
The bombing incident, which resulted in the tragic loss of three Chinese journalists, was later deemed a mistake by the U.S. government. However, the memory of this event continues to linger, serving as a reminder of the fragility of international relations and the consequences of military actions.… Continue reading
Xi Jinping’s recent comments about Taiwan are sending shockwaves through the international community. The notion that ‘no force’ can stop the ‘reunion’ with Taiwan is not only concerning but also reflective of China’s aggressive stance towards the island nation. As someone who values peace and stability, I cannot help but feel alarmed by the implications of Xi’s words.
Taiwan is not Hong Kong; the people of Taiwan are determined to defend their independence and sovereignty. The fact that Taiwan has developed into a thriving democracy, in contrast to the authoritarian rule of the Chinese Communist Party, only further highlights the stark differences between the two entities.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker